Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.

Psalm 61:1-3

David asks God to hear him, to listen to his request. He’s far from home, at “the end of the earth,” and he’s weary. There’s some sort of burden or struggle he’s engaged in, whether against an enemy (3) or just the weariness of life. But either way, he needs God’s help.

The actual request comes in the middle of verse 2: “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” I see two things worthy of note: first, the “rock” imagery often refers to God in his power and stability (see Psalm 18::1-2 and Psalm 31::1-4). David is looking to God as a that rock which sticks out in the ocean as he drowns in his anxieties; when he clings to it, he can find security, safety, and rest.

But second, David also asks for perspective. Notice that he asks God to take him to the rock “that is higher than I.” David is at one point of reference, but he needs a different vantage point. he needs to see what God sees in the situation he currently finds himself in. So often, our struggles are localized to our own tiny sphere of influence. The wise man or woman has the perspective to see above and beyond their current struggle and find peace.

We need this perspective, so badly, in our day and age. Are you allowing yourself to drown in the situation which God has providently placed you in? As your world changes around you, are you resting in the goodness of God, or are you angrily crying out that “this just isn’t fair”? We need perspective. We need our powerful, all-knowing God to hold our hands and guide us to his vantage point, where we see all things working out for his glorious plans and purposes–including our good (Romans 8::28).

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The “Isolation Introspection” series started as an opportunity for me to encoruage members of our Bible Study with daily reflections from the M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan during the 2020 “Stay at Home” mandate in Los Angeles. I’ve moved them here so that they can be shared easily, and perhaps benefit others. I hope you enjoy!